Parker Update

Parker J's already 4 1/2 years old!! He's really excited about starting school next year. He's made a couple of good friends here in the neighborhood; Aidan lives right next door and is 5, and Claire lives just down the street 6 houses or so & she's the same age as Parker. We're so thankful that he's met some friends in the neighborhood, and really looks forward to their play dates!

Parker's first soccer season was really a lot of fun!  The first few weeks he was basically learning how to play, but by the end of the season he scored 2 goals and found his passion for the sport!  He had the best coach who worked with him on his level!  I don't think Parker would have grown so much had it not been for Coach Chris! 

Great Job buddy!

Parker is especially pumped up over Uncle Bill's new jet truck, Pyro.  Bill & Sara start their new business venture as Rocketbilly Racing this year & we couldn't be more excited for them!  Parker loves to help Uncle Bill out, so I'm sure he'll be their youngest jet truck crew member! 

Swim lesson! 

Parker wasn't too confident this past summer in the pool, so Sara had the idea for lessons!!  He took to the water right away, and he excited to start the 2nd session of lessons soon!  We'll have to see when we can get him signed up for a new class since he really had a lot of fun! 

Braden Update

Braden turned 2 1/2 on the 6th! He's really growing into a very independent boy!  He's added only a few new words to his vocabulary, but going from not saying anything we're proud!!  No he says very clear now, Mom & Dad too.  He'll say me, ball, & is learning to mimick animal noises more now.  His speech pathologist doesn't have any real concerns for his progress; she assures this is highly common for boys & espeically the 2nd child.  He's essentially potty trained with #2 totally trained & his 15 minute reminders for going #1! His favorite toys are still trucks & trains & he likes to make the choo-choo sound now when he's pushing the train. He loves to play games & watch videos on the computer.   Elmo is still his favorite Sesame Street character, but The Cat in the Hat is in close 2nd! 

Our little Big helper

We took the boys costume shopping to let them pick this year.  Braden picked a baby costume that really didn't fit (12-18 months), so after calling to the store's other locations to find this was the only one & Phil & I not wanting to deal with an all out fit, bought it.  He still looked cute but it kept coming unbuttoned; oh well, he didn't notice the difference.

Elmo!!

Braden loves animals, but dogs are by far his favorite!  He's always showing love to Bozlee & Hannah & will grab their leash to walk them around the house. 

Braden with Ollie (Mike & Amy's Corgie)

Bulldog Kisses

Our handsome fella

Braden came up with the idea to wear his Elmo slippers with the outfit.

Spoiled by his Aunty Sara!

Big helper in the kitchen.

We sure love this boy!

Five Years Too Long...

Five long years ago today,

God knew it was time to take your pain away.

Doctor said six months to two years,
You showed them all.  You conquered our fears.

But 7 years of fighting was long enough,
You were so strong. So proud. So tough.

By your side we watched the last breath,

Assured your soul had already left.

Cancer may have taken the final blow,
But I believe you were met with God's heavenly glow.

Thank you for watching over me & my boys,
Today we remember your life, your love, & the joys.

What more can be said for a loss this deep,
In our hearts forever, your memory we keep.

We miss you Daddy,
With Love ~ Your Daughter

Summer Vacation

They love this place!

Getting ready for their Grandma's!

Summer vacation this year was our first roadtrip to AZ since we moved to Colorado.  The boys were thrilled to be going back to Arizona to see everyone (especially Grandma's :-) )!!   You could drive the trip in about 15 hours with good weather/traffic, but we managed to stretch the journey over 3 days there; 2 days back.  We left Sat. a.m., only had to turn around once for something we forgot & arrived just in time for dinner at Derek & Melanie's beautiful new home  in Rio Rancho, NM!!

Thanks again for letting us stay with you ~ We LOVE your new home!

Arizona Bound

Road trip Hounds

Sunday afternoon we arrived at Grandma Robin & Barbie's house in Spring Valley which is about an hour North of Phoenix.  Grandma Robin had a delicious dinner prepared & all the fun toys ready for her Grandbabies to play their hearts out!!

Braden swinging with Daddy.
Spring Valley is very peaceful with some amazing views!

Finally, Monday made it to Grandma & Grandad Jones' house to see them for the first time in 18 months!  Welcome home from Africa Blaine & Marylee!!  We sure missed you both!

(FYI - Marylee not pictured here) 

Stayed at this great hotel casino
Monday night! 

Thanks again Momma!
The saltwater pool was heavenly!

Marc & Kari took us out on the boat Friday morning before the heat was too unbearable.  It had been years since the last time many of us had water skied, but I guess it's kinda like riding a bike...  We all really enjoyed the quality time with family!  Thanks Marc & Kari for making that happen :)

Banana Boat wave = Quality family memories

Parker drove the boat for Uncle Marc

Saguaro Lake

Looks deceiving but it was HOT!!!!

Braden loves his soon-to-be Aunt Eunmi & Aunt Kimmichanga...
the boat he could've done without :)

We had a wonderful dinner out with Ian & Cara! 

Amazing Couple ~ Love them!!

Snuck in a visit with Pammy!

Breakfast w/ Cousins

Some LONG overdue sister time at the mall!

And lastly, the dreaded 'goodbyes'.. :(
Great pic though! 

Marc & Eunmi seeing us off...
(And... take 2 ;) )

Goodies from Grandma

Birthday flowers for Grandpa Berg

Cleaning Dad's headstone 

Thankfully Derek & Mel invited us back to stay with them on our way back home!  It really does make all the difference breaking the trip up like that for the boys & dogs!! Unfortunately we won't have the time to stop on the way down for the holidays, but hopefully we can see them on our way back up in the new year!!

After 2000+ miles, a mechanical breakdown & an enjoyable visit with friends & family, we arrived home safely with cherished memories & a major ache for our own bed!!

Missing everyone very much ~ be seeing you soon.